Elementary school employee in Powhatan County accused of physically assaulting students

POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — An elementary school employee in Powhatan County is under investigation for allegedly physically assaulting multiple students.

The Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office said the complaint was made on March 15 against an employee at Flat Rock Elementary School. The complaint was reported by both the parents of the students and the school district.

A makeshift sign outside of the school reads ‘Be Kind’ but some parents said the employee is being anything but that.

“Very disappointing,” said Sheila Groves, a parent whose daughter is in kindergarten at the school.

Groves said she learned about the claims via social media.

“Even if it’s not my child that’s involved, I would like to know by the school board or the school itself,” she said.

The sheriff’s office said in a release that, ‘the investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.’

A parent who had four children attend Flat Rock told 8News she was shocked to learn of the accusations.

“I actually thought maybe you were here because somebody got recommended for teacher of the year or some kind of commendation instead of an accusation,” Caryn Griffith said.

Groves said she understands the stress teachers endure each day, but doesn’t believe they should ever become physical with students.

“Don’t take matters into your own hands at all because nobody should verbally, emotionally, physically, touch a child or anybody at that matter,” Groves said.

Powhatan County Public Schools released the following statement Wednesday in regards to the allegations:

On Friday, March 15, Flat Rock Elementary School Administration received reports of physical contact of a student by a staff member. This incident is being investigated by PCPS staff, led by the Department of Human Resources. PCPS is also cooperating with the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Department in their investigation of the matter. The staff member in question has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. — PCPS

Stay with 8News for updates.

JUST IN: An investigation is underway at Flat Rock Elementary School after a staff member allegedly physically assaulted multiple students.I spoke with a former parent of the school who was shocked to find out this was going on. I’ll have more on @8NEWS at 5 and 6. pic.twitter.com/RadwbadwCs— Nick Conigliaro 8News (@NConigliaroNews) March 20, 2019